Antena install

SHIPREC13 · 11-01-2005, 05:28 AM

I just got a Sirius satelite radio and am curious how others have run thier antenna. I tried leaving it on the dash but reception drops to much. What I really need is some detailed instruction on how to remove the section of the dash where the factory Nav is and or radio area if need be. Also do the door sill plastic panels just unsnap and snap back ? thats what it looks like but I'd hate to pry it off to find I broke something. Been there done that before. I read in another thread about running it up to the rear light and out that way, any other thoughts.
As always thanks for the advice Titantalk is another reason why the Titan rules above all others.!!

Mark

Oh yeah it might help if I told you my truck is a king cab XE All stock.

usulsuspct · 11-01-2005, 06:07 AM

I think most will recommend that you install the antenna on the top of the cab using the brake light as the point the wire comes into the cab. I followed this advice and couldnt be happier. You need to just remove the bolts holding the brake light housing in place, feed the wire through that, replace the bolts.

As far as running the cable through the cab, I just tucked the wire behind the plastic panel and ran it up under the driver side dash. Really, it was much easier than it sounds.

bestatchess · 11-01-2005, 06:15 AM

The plastic trim panels that run along the edges of the floor are held by clips. They do snap and unsnap, but there is the possibility of breaking the clips. If you just want to run an antenna wire out through the third brake light, there is no need to remove the trim panels. You can just get a couple of popsicle sticks (or similar). Then, using one to pry upwardly slightly on the edge of the trim panel, you can poke the antenna wire under the trim panel with the other stick.

Sammy Sandbag · 11-01-2005, 06:54 AM

I actually ran mine under the head liner to the driver's side B pillar, then down and under the carpet to the center console where the tuner is. And ditto on those rear door finisher clips snapping like tooth picks. I broke at least 4, and you can't get them from the dealer unless you order the entire trim piece.

ptgarcia · 11-01-2005, 02:01 PM

Are you guys putting any silicone around the area where the wire comes through the 3rd brake light? Or adding any other type of sealer?

bestatchess · 11-01-2005, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptgarcia

Are you guys putting any silicone around the area where the wire comes through the 3rd brake light? Or adding any other type of sealer?

For the little round single wire antenna wire, I suspect the rubber gasket will seal. I did use a bit of GE Silicone II, however.

SHIPREC13 · 11-01-2005, 04:49 PM

Sammy
I never even thought of the headliner, that might be the shortest and easiest route. Did you just tuck it in or actually remove trim to do it?

Sammy Sandbag · 11-01-2005, 05:08 PM

IIRC, I removed the left rear piece of trim, the one that the driver's side rear passenger seat belt mounts to. Then I just pulled out the weather stripping along the top of the door frame, it's not glued in and easily goes back together. Hope you can visualize that.

SHIPREC13 · 11-04-2005, 05:07 PM

Thanks for all the advice guys. I got my Sirius installed this afternoon. I ran the antenna from the rear light tucking the wire under the head liner then down molding on the drivers side to the floor. Under the door sill and up under the dash. Probably one of the easiest installs I ever done. I drilled a hole for the wires and two holes to mount the base in the tray area at the center of the dash. I ran the power from the base and removed one of the knockouts next to the passenger side power and ran the plug out there. This way in a couple years when I trade up I can put everything back and lay that little mat back in the tray jsut like stock. Now what to do with 30 presets??????

M.

BULLTITAN · 11-04-2005, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usulsuspct

I think most will recommend that you install the antenna on the top of the cab using the brake light as the point the wire comes into the cab. I followed this advice and couldnt be happier. You need to just remove the bolts holding the brake light housing in place, feed the wire through that, replace the bolts.

As far as running the cable through the cab, I just tucked the wire behind the plastic panel and ran it up under the driver side dash. Really, it was much easier than it sounds.

What if you have a crew like myself with the same eguipment?

SHIPREC13 · 11-05-2005, 06:47 AM

I assume the brake light install would be the same. But I don't know if the wire would be long enough. The way I ran mine I had about four inches to spare not really a lot of leeway there for a crewcab install. If you don't have the navigation or anything on your dash, its real easy to mount the unit to that tray. The face plate around the radio comes off real easy to gain accesss there. I think there have been some others who've installed this or XM (same deal) If you do a search there may be more detailed info. on that.

Good Luck
Mark

FlimFlamMan · 11-17-2005, 01:44 PM

I have a really stupid question.

What tool did you use to remove the 2 upper brake light bolts with? Must have been a very long extension (something I 'spose I'll need to purchase). I couldnt tell exactly what size socket I could use. The bolts are like 4 inches long on mine and I cant get my friggen hand up in there. lol.

bestatchess · 11-17-2005, 01:54 PM

You need a deep well socket to remove the nuts. I can't remember if it is 7 mm or 8 mm, but one of those. Once you get the nuts off, you can pull the brake light housing up from outside the truck.

FlimFlamMan · 11-18-2005, 09:01 AM

Kewl! Thanks!

SHIPREC13 · 11-19-2005, 08:44 AM

I used a nut driver, perfect in this situation since its hollow shaft allowed the stud to go right up inside. worked great.